Operating Room Assistant

Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons•Southfield, MI

About The Position

The Operating Room Assistant (ORA), under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, supports the surgical team by turning over rooms, maintaining inventory and supplies, assisting with equipment, transporting supplies and instrumentation, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and helping ensure smooth patient care in the operating room. The role includes preparing the unit for patient care, supporting surgical case setup, and assisting with opening or closing the department as needed. The ORA follows center procedures for cleaning, aseptic technique, standard precautions, medical waste, sharps, and personal protective equipment. The position also involves communicating with patients, families, and the healthcare team while maintaining patient confidentiality, contributing to quality assurance and process improvement, and developing and maintaining competency through continuing education and in-service programs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Operating Room experience.
General knowledge of sterile technique and medical terminology.

Responsibilities

Work cooperatively with team members to clean operating rooms and facilitate room turnover.
Perform other cleaning duties as assigned and clean surgical areas and equipment according to center and cleaning-product guidelines.
Use equipment and supplies safely and appropriately, including setting up suction equipment, disposing of suction canisters, and assisting with opening sterile supplies.
Check and log humidity levels and temperatures.
Prepare the unit in the morning for patient care or assist with closing the department at night.
Respond flexibly to the Surgical Center’s needs, take initiative, and use time effectively.
Maintain and restock supplies and inventory in operating rooms, anesthesia carts, and clean storage areas; monitor par levels and notify appropriate personnel when supplies are low.
Put away incoming supplies and facilitate movement of clean supplies between floors according to center protocol.
Support surgical case setup by ensuring required supplies and equipment are available, and promptly communicate missing items to the Materials Manager, OR Manager, and/or Clinical Director.
Follow aseptic technique and universal or standard precautions; bag and dispose of soiled linen and medical waste; replace full sharps containers; clean equipment between patients; and use personal protective equipment appropriately.
Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members while maintaining patient confidentiality.
Support quality assurance and process improvement by working effectively as a team member, meeting and exceeding customer expectations, and pursuing continual improvement in systems and personal competency.
Participate in continuing education and in-service programs to maintain competency and improve team functioning and effectiveness.